guard

guard
/ gärd/
•
v. [tr.]
watch over to keep safe:
they were sent to guard villagers from attack by bandits. ∎
watch over in order to control entry and exit:
the gates were guarded by uniformed soldiers. ∎
watch over (someone) to prevent them from escaping:
police officers were guarding inmates who could not be accommodated in prison. ∎ [intr.] (guard against)
take precautions against:
farmers must guard against sudden changes in the market. ∎
protect against damage or harm:
the company fiercely guarded its independence. ∎ Basketball
stay close to (an opponent) in order to prevent a good shot, pass, or drive.
∎
cover or equip (a part of a machine) with a device to protect the operator.
•
n.
1.
a person who keeps watch, esp. a soldier or other person formally assigned to protect a person or to control access to a place:
a security guard |
[as adj.]
he distracted the soldier on guard duty. ∎
[treated as sing. or pl.]
a body of soldiers serving to protect a place or person:
the hound belonged to a member of the castle's guard. ∎
(Guards)
the household troops of the British army.
∎
a prison warden.
∎ Brit.
an official who rides on and is in general charge of a train.
∎ Football
each of two offensive players positioned either side of the center.
∎ Basketball
each of two backcourt players chiefly responsible for running the team’s offense.
2.
a device worn or fitted to prevent injury or damage:
a retractable blade guard. ∎
a chain attached to a watch or bracelet to prevent loss.
∎
a ring worn to prevent another ring from falling off the finger.
∎
a piece of metal placed to protect an operator from the potentially dangerous parts of a machine.
3.
a defensive posture adopted in a boxing, fencing, or martial arts contest or in a fight:
this kick can curl around an otherwise effective guard. ∎
a state of caution, vigilance, or preparedness against adverse circumstances:
he let his guard slip enough to make some unwise comments.PHRASES:keep
(or stand) guard
act as a guard.lower
(or let down) one's guard
relax one's defensive posture, leaving oneself vulnerable to attack:
if you lower your guard or take a step backward, I will throw in the towel. ∎
reduce one's level of vigilance or caution:
she was not ready to let down her guard and confide in him.off guard
unprepared for some surprise or difficulty:
the government was caught off guard by the unexpected announcement.on guard
on duty to protect or defend something.
∎ (also on one's guard)
prepared for any contingency; vigilant:
we must be on guard against such temptation.put up one's guard
adopt a defensive posture.under guard
being guarded:
he was held in an empty stable under guard.

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